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MP: Potential buyers remain interested in Milford Haven refinery

Local MP Stephen Crabb has sent out an optimistic message ahead of visiting the Murco Oil Refinery in Milford Haven to meet with staff and management to discuss the future of the plant today (Friday).

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Crabb said there was still real interest in the Milford Haven refinery.

He added: “Yesterday I had discussions with various UK and overseas companies who are very interested in the sale of the Murco site.

"There is widespread acknowledgment that the Milford Haven oil refinery is a very good facility and that there is a future for the plant if global trading conditions improve. Investor interest has not gone away and I believe it is still all to play for in this deal.

"Today I will be meeting with the management and workers at the refinery to discuss all the different options that are on the table. I want Murphy to explore every possible avenue in order to keep that refinery operational.”

Yesterday, the UK's biggest union, Unite, called on the Government to support Welsh industry and secure petrol supplies by helping to save the refinery.

Unite Welsh secretary, Andy Richards, said: “Jobs, the economy and the UK’s security of supply are all at stake. The UK government cannot repeat the mistake of Coryton and allow another of the UK’s oil refineries to close. It needs to do everything possible to maintain refining capacity at Milford Haven to meet the nation’s energy needs and save the hundreds of jobs at the site.

“The workforce has been under real pressure and worked really hard in a climate of uncertainty over the past four years, while the American owner looked for a new buyer.

“They have done nothing to deserve this treatment. It‘s now time for all parties that have a stake in the future of Milford Haven to fight tooth and nail to save the refinery.”

Comments (1)

If there are these interested companies why after four years nobody has bought the plant?
Murphy/Murco have at least kept the refinery open whilst running it at a loss but I think instead of all the speculation make an announcement that it will be sold or closed so at least the workers know what is happening and they can plan for the future.
Fingers crossed it does get sold and continues as an operational plant.
Good luck!!

If there are these interested companies why after four years nobody has bought the plant?
Murphy/Murco have at least kept the refinery open whilst running it at a loss but I think instead of all the speculation make an announcement that it will be sold or closed so at least the workers know what is happening and they can plan for the future.
Fingers crossed it does get sold and continues as an operational plant.
Good luck!!taff2010